Question:  Dear Greg,

            I am from Argentina and I am a Catholic.  I read recently that Iraq was the origin of civilization and that in that place the historic Paradise (described in the Bible) was meant to be.  I don’t know if the Bible makes an exact reference to this place.  Was Paradise with Adam and Eve really in Iraq ? 

            Could you please give me your opinion about it? 

            Thank you very much,

            Juan

Answer:  Dear Juan,

            There are two places and two contexts that might be confused here.  First, the Garden of Eden.  There is no agreement among Bible scholars about the precise location of the Garden of Eden—but most speculate that it was very likely near the city of Jerusalem , given the centrality of Jerusalem in other biblical examples.

            The cradle of civilization (between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, within the current nation of Iraq ) is a term used for the area that was most likely the most populated and advanced place where the first humans established culture and civilization.  This is the place (specifically the town of Ur ), where Abraham was when he was called.  Remember, Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden.

            Good to talk with you Juan, and a pleasure to serve you!  May God bless you.

            In Christ,

            Greg Albrecht